Ruth Natalie Chacker

Ruth Natalie Chacker (nee Bett) was born in Philadelphia on October 6,
1929. She attended Overbrook High School and was the first in her family to
earn a BA, which she did at Temple University. Family lore has it that she
met late husband, Dr. Frederic M. Chacker, in French class and that he
proposed to her while she was perched on a stove. Ruth worked at Gimbel’s
Department Store early on in marriage, and then stayed home to raise their
four children -- Hilarie, Larry, Stephanie and Stacey, support her own
mother – Eva Bett, keep books in her husband’s and then later in her son’s
dental office, and engage in a myriad of community service.





Up until her last day of life, Ruth was adventurous, had a keen interest in
the world, and was a lifelong learner. She was a member of Hadassah and Har
Zion Temple, where she served as the Treasurer and President of their
Sisterhood, and Hadassah. She took a variety of classes at OLLI (Osher
Lifelong Learning Institute) at Temple University, ranging from bible study
to film. Until recently, she delivered challah to patients at Jefferson
University Hospital monthly with a friend. At 90 she traveled the City on
foot or on SEPTA buses – going to movies, museums, theatres, or meeting
friends. She always had a knitting project going. She traveled both near
and far with her late husband Fred, her family and later with her special
friend Samuel Firestone. During a time that many were struggling with how
to work remotely during the pandemic, Ruth managed to pick up social media
skills – zooming and FaceTiming with family and friends.





Ruth was patient and welcoming. She rolled with the punches with a sense of
humor, taking care of the dogs and other critters that her husband and kids
brought home (and sometimes found wandering around the house – the pet
rats). There was always room for extended family and friends at her table –
she was known for hosting the Jewish and other holidays and was always
feeding people. At 90, she cooked her last Thanksgiving dinner. She had
many old friends and continued to make new friends – in the park, in her
building, on the bus, at the synagogue – almost anywhere. She was amazing
family historian.





Ruth died suddenly and peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, May 2, 2020.
She is survived by her beloved children Hilarie, Larr (Judie), Stephanie
and Stacey, and her grandchildren Ariane, AnQi and Leila Jeh. She also
leaves behind Samuel Firestone, her devoted companion. She remained
throughout her life a positive force – caring for others, open to exploring
her city and the world and supporting many causes. She will be greatly
missed by many relatives, friends, and others. Burial services are private.
There will be public memorial. In lieu of flowers, please consider a
donation in her honor either to Hadassah or OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning
Institute) at Temple University, P.O. Box, 827651, Phila, PA 19182. www.levinefuneral.com